Overview
In Centerville Iowa, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. By analyzing weather data collected over the course of a year, we can show you how much sunlight is available for generating solar power. With the cost of electricity in mind, we will break down the initial investment of a solar system and estimate how many years it would take to break even. Let’s explore the economic benefits of switching to solar energy in Centerville.
Centerville Iowa Weather Trends
Centerville Precipitation
Centerville Iowa received 40.56 inches of precipitation in the last year. This places Centerville in the 28th percentile nationwide and the 90th percentile within Iowa. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches, Centerville’s precipitation levels make it an ideal location for generating solar power.
Centerville’s UV Rating
In the last year, Centerville Iowa had an average UV rating of 4.13, positioning it at the 51st percentile nationally and the 71st percentile within Iowa. With a national average of 4.29 and Iowa’s average of 4.06, Centerville experiences abundant sunlight that is perfect for generating solar energy. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 4.5 in Centerville further highlights the solar potential of this area.
Centerville’s Cloud Cover
Centerville Iowa had an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, placing it at the 47th percentile nationally and the 65th percentile within Iowa. With the national average for cloud cover at 44.46% and Iowa’s average at 42.8%, Centerville’s relatively low cloud cover makes it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, the distribution of cloudy days throughout the year allows for consistent solar power generation.
Centerville Iowa Electricity Costs
Residents of Centerville Iowa pay approximately $0.17/kw for electricity, ranking the city in the 95th percentile nationally and the 100th percentile within Iowa. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Iowa’s average matches that. With higher-than-average electricity costs, switching to solar power in Centerville can lead to substantial long-term savings on energy bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Centerville Iowa?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Centerville, Iowa, let’s break down the investment in solar panels and see how long it would take to make up the initial cost.
First, let’s look at the weather data:
- Centerville receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Centerville are close to the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Centerville is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Centerville pay slightly more for electricity compared to the national average.
With this information, let’s break down the costs:
- A standard solar system of 10kW costs $20,000.
- This system is expected to last between 25 and 30 years.
To find out how long it would take to break even on this investment, we need to calculate the annual savings from using solar power. Here’s how:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the need to buy from the grid.
- Given Centerville’s higher electricity rates, the savings are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond that initial payback period. Investing in solar power is a wise decision to save money and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Centerville Iowa
Considering the weather data and electricity costs in Centerville, Iowa, it is evident that installing solar panels can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. With slightly lower precipitation levels, close-to-average UV ratings, and relatively low cloud cover, Centerville proves to be an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. Moreover, with higher-than-average electricity costs in the city, switching to solar power can result in substantial long-term savings on energy bills. By breaking down the costs and analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take approximately 7 years to break even on the initial investment of a solar system in Centerville. Investing in solar power not only provides economic benefits but also contributes to environmental sustainability for years to come.